This weekend the world’s best Winter Triathletes will do battle at the 2008 ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships in Freudenstadt, Germany. Last year in Flassin, Italy, Arne Post cemented himself as one of the greatest winter triathletes ever after winning his third World Championship. The Norwegian became the first man to win three Winter Triathlon world titles. As he takes aim at his fourth championship, he spoke with ITU about his preparation, training and who he views as his greatest threats this weekend.

ITU: How are you feeling coming into Freudenstadt and how did you prepare for the world championships? Post: I am in good shape, at least in the cross-country skiing. I have been competing a lot lately. First I did the Norwegian championships in cross-country skiing, then I did the ITU Winter Triathlon World Cup in Flassin, Italy. This weekend I was in Sweden doing a Scandinavian Cup in cross-country skiing, so my focus has been on cross-country skiing this year. I went to Flassin to get a good winter triathlon competition before the world championship and I felt good there.

ITU: You won in Flassin but why didn’t we see you at any other winter triathlon events? Post: I wanted to go to the ITU Winter Triathlon World Cup in Valberg, France, but my federation didn’t want to support me so I stayed home. Unfortunately the European championship went on the same date as the Norwegian championship in cross-country skiing. It was a difficult choice, not to go to Gaishorn for the ETU Winter Triathlon European Championships because I really wanted to improve on my second place from last year. But my ski club really wanted me to do the Norwegian championship and they have supported me much more than the Norwegian triathlon federation so I chose the Norwegian championship. I went to Flassisn all by myself, which was challenging with all the equipment. I would have liked to do more winter triathlons, but when I get no support from my triathlon federation, it is difficult.

ITU: Who will be your greatest opponents in Freudenstadt and what do you think about the courses in Freudenstadt? Post: I think the German Florian Holzinger, who placed second in Gaishorn will be the man to beat, also of course Andreas Svanebo (this year’s European Champion). There will probably be some new guys up there as well. I liked the course we did in Freudenstadt two years ago, where I won my first world cup. But at that time there was a lot of snow and I am a little bit concerned about the snow conditions in Freudenstadt this year. But I hope they manage to put together a nice and fair course. Normally in Freudenstadt the running is important.

ITU: After winning World Championships title in all categories (elite, U23, junior), how do you stay motivated?Post: I think winter triathlon is fun and there is always room for improvement when you have to be on a high level in 3 different disciplines. So it is a great challenge.